(edit 7/7/07) I tried to reread this story, and could barely get through the first chapter. I couldn't stand it! So, I rewrote it (chapter 1) completely. The plot's the same, it's just . . . better. I hope. I'd love it if you'd let me know what you think. I'm thinking of going over chapters 2-4 again, too. So, if there's something you'd really like me to fix, now's the time to let me know:) (/edit)

I don't own FFIV, alas. This story is a collection of many relatively short chapters – a bit of an experiment, if you will – although the later chapters do get progressively longer. Oh well. I hope you enjoy.

Thank you to all those who have reviewed. And now, without further ado, it begins.

Allergies and a Harp

by Maelstra

1 - Looking Over the Past

The sun was just rising. Kain took a strong stance and watched the display of pink and yellow lighting playing across the few distant clouds as the sky lightened. He seldom watched the sun rise – it was a daily occurrence, after all, and usually not noteworthy – but today he found he appreciated the inherent symbolism in it all. Rebirth. Transition from darkness to light. These were the very things he had set out into the world in search of. He'd chased down several mad leads already, and now, here he was, on top of Mount Ordeals at sunrise, in the midst of his maddest attempt yet to search out some means of recovering his lost honor.

Another skeletal zombie tried to sneak up from behind, but luckily for Kain the wind calmed down just enough at that moment for him to hear its rattle-ly approach. He jumped down from his ledge, and brought his fists down in unison on the blackened skull. The impact shattered enough of the monster's remaining bones that it was left in a heap, hissing helplessly at the dragoon.

Kain wiped his hands on his pants, counting himself lucky. He presently wore no more armor than a plain tunic and cloak, and even a minor hit from a monster would do him serious injury. A part of him chid himself again for such foolish behavior, but he had made up his mind before he had even left Baron. Since I came of age, I wore my father's armor to inspire myself to be a great dragoon, like he was. To continue to wear his armor after all that has happened . . . would only be a disgrace to my father's name. Nevertheless, Kain did carry both the armor, and the Holy Lance that the Lunarians had given to him, in a carryall bag he had appropriated on his way out of Baron. I just need to complete whatever trial awaits me on the top of this mountain. And then I will be worthy to wear the armor again. Ahead of Kain, a dozen more zombies and other undead things swarmed onto the trail, completely blocking his approach. Kain considered the odds, and considered the possibility of jumping over the monsters' heads to avoid the conflict entirely, but at last gave a sigh and drew out his lance instead.

The decaying monsters disintegrated under his magic-infused weapon. Kain spared one more glance for the sunrise, then started on, seeking for a path that would take him most directly to the peak. Cecil had been very, very sparse in his details of what had happened to him on Mount Ordeals, so Kain was forced to guess. The people of Mysidia (who thankfully had not recognized him) had only given him a few more vague hints about some sort of trial on the mountain that would redeem the otherwise irredeemable. Or else kill them painfully. Some of the Mysidians had still sounded slightly disappointed that Cecil had survived. Kain hoped he would be up to the challenge as well.

Honestly speaking, Kain had been an emotional wreck since Golbez had forcibly reasserted control over his mind in the underworld. When Kain finally faced Cecil again, in the Giant of Babel, he was horribly embarrassed that he had been too weak to resist the mind control, but also worried that that last betrayal had obliterated any chance of Cecil or the others ever trusting him again. He figured he should count himself lucky his friends had been willing to let him then come along to face Zemus, rather than just leaving him tied up, a prisoner on the Lunar Whale.

Kain had experienced some understandable coldness from Cid and Yang – and especially Rosa – the first time he had been freed from Golbez's mind control. But at least Cecil had welcomed him back, no questions asked, all forgiven. This second time was so much worse because no one would stand up for him anymore. Cecil hadn't been openly hostile, of course – but Kain felt like the few conversations his old friend had with him were only filling some personal quota, as in 'talk to Kain at least three times a day to check for hints of further treachery.' The thought was depressing, but Kain did not dare confront Cecil about it lest his suspicions be proven true.

The wind whipped around and threw grit in Kain's face, forcing him to close his eyes, and also drawing his thoughts back to the present. Now – six months later – here he was, running away from the people he wanted most to protect. Assuming he had not completely lost track of the days, by now Cecil and Rosa would be married and acknowledged as the new king and queen over Baron. Kain had to admit, rationally, that Cecil would make an excellent ruler . . . but he was still uncertain of his feelings about Rosa. Though he had known for years that she always preferred Cecil, this marriage . . . well, just the thought of it hurt.

Kain had been invited to the wedding, of course. Cecil and Rosa had discussed their plans (ad nauseum, according to Edge) all the way back from the moon after the brave adventurers had defeated Zeromus. Both Rosa and Cecil had personally invited Kain to the ceremony. He'd thanked them, plastered on a fake smile that could have been carved out of stone . . . and then he'd snuck away the first night they returned to Baron.

From then on, he'd wandered the world as an anonymous traveler, taking any quest he happened to hear of. While the people he helped were certainly grateful, squashing giant spiders and so forth just didn't seem to be enough. But then Kain overheard someone talking about Mount Ordeals, and recalled Cecil's mentioning the place . . .

Kain clambered to the top of another gray, dusty boulder, and noted with surprise that here, there appeared to be an actual trail. He glanced around warily for another ambush, then slowly proceeded ahead. Actually, he was almost as worried that Cecil was going to jump out from behind a rock and ambush him as he was worried about the zombies. In the past, the two had stuck together through all sorts of adventures, and Kain was sure that Cecil would have willingly accompanied him on this quest if Kain had only asked him. But there was a reason that Kain had told no one he was leaving; he wanted to do this himself. He didn't want Mr. Perfect Paladin giving him a hand just in the nick of time. This is my honor at stake, and so I want to pass the test on my own strength. If I can survive this . . . then maybe there'll be a place for me again, in Baron.

He rounded a corner and ascended a steep rise. At the top of this hill, though not the highest point on the mountain, was a ring of stone pillars that surrounded a carved tablet.

What's this . . . ? Kain lowered his lance to his side and walked forward.